Name: Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp. honey; 2 large eggs; 1-1/4 cups buttermilk, shaken well; 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 2 Tbsp. honey

Jump to Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about a golden, tender slice of Honey Butter Cornbread. This isn’t just any cornbread—it’s sweet, buttery, and irresistibly moist, with that decadent drizzle of honey butter soaking right into every bite. Whether you’re serving it up with a cozy chili, a summertime BBQ, or sneaking a piece for breakfast, Honey Butter Cornbread has a way of brightening any day and gathering everyone around the table with pure delight.

Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the building blocks of flavor in this recipe. Each ingredient plays its own special part in what makes Honey Butter Cornbread so crave-worthy—nothing fancy, just simple pantry essentials working delicious magic together!

Butter (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup, melted): Brings that rich, creamy flavor and heavenly tenderness you expect from superb cornbread.
Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): Enhances sweetness and helps balance the savory and honey notes.
Honey (2 Tbsp. for batter + 2 Tbsp. for topping): Adds floral depth and gives that signature sticky golden finish.
Eggs (2 large): Help bind the batter together, giving the cornbread structure while keeping it moist and fluffy.
Buttermilk (1 1/4 cups, shaken well): The secret to a tender crumb and subtle tang that lifts all the other flavors.
Yellow Cornmeal (1 cup): For classic cornbread flavor and that sunny yellow color we all love.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Gives the bread a lighter, cake-like texture without sacrificing that hearty bite.
Baking Soda (1/2 tsp.): Makes the cornbread rise beautifully and keeps it from turning dense.
Kosher Salt (1/4 tsp.): Enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.

How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While that’s going, lightly grease a square baking dish (an 8×8-inch one is perfect!) so the cornbread slides out effortlessly after baking. This little bit of prep sets you up for beautiful slices later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and honey. Stir them together until the mixture is silky and glossy. Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Pour in the buttermilk and whisk everything together until smooth—this forms the luscious base for your Honey Butter Cornbread.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Use a gentle hand here: fold the dry mix into the wet just until you no longer see flour streaks. Over-mixing can make cornbread tough; stopping as soon as everything comes together ensures a tender crumb.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell mouthwatering!

Step 5: Create the Honey Butter Glaze

While the cornbread is baking, melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter and stir in 2 tablespoons honey. This simple mixture becomes the dazzling finish that sets this Honey Butter Cornbread apart from the rest.

Step 6: Soak and Serve!

Right after your cornbread emerges warm from the oven, take a fork and gently poke the top all over. Pour the honey butter glaze over, letting it seep into every nook and cranny for incredible flavor and moistness. Let it sit for 5 minutes so all that goodness soaks in, then slice, serve warm, and enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread

Garnishes

To make every slice a showstopper, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for savory contrast or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. A pat of extra butter melting over a warm corner never goes amiss either.

Side Dishes

Honey Butter Cornbread is a dream partner for hearty stews and spicy chilis. It’s also wonderful alongside BBQ pulled pork, roasted chicken, or a colorful summer salad. Let it steal the show at your next holiday feast or weeknight dinner!

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to stick to square slices: cut the cornbread into wedges, cubes for dipping, or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for kids. For brunch, split a slice and build a breakfast sandwich with bacon and eggs—absolutely irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Honey Butter Cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The honey butter keeps it moist, but after a couple of days, move it to the fridge to retain freshness a little longer.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze cooled and sliced cornbread in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment so the slices don’t stick together. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, warm slices in a low oven (about 300 degrees F) wrapped in foil, or zap briefly in the microwave. If you’re feeling indulgent, brush each slice with a little more honey butter before reheating!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk is best if you want that classic tender crumb and tangy flavor, but in a pinch, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using as a substitute.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this Honey Butter Cornbread uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can easily swap in a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with good results.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all the measurements and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes to cook through the middle.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

The top should be golden with slightly crisp edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s still wet, pop it back in for a few more minutes.

Can I add extras like cheese or jalapeños?

Definitely. Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, or even corn kernels for extra flavor and texture. These mix-ins make your Honey Butter Cornbread uniquely yours!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Honey Butter Cornbread at home yet, you’re in for a real treat. It’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to spark smiles with every bite. Gather your ingredients, call a friend or two, and let this be the star of your next meal!

Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 8×8-inch pan 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously moist cornbread with a touch of sweetness, made with honey and butter. Perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a snack on its own.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and honey. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then stir in buttermilk.
Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Do not over-mix.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare Honey Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter and honey.
Finish and Serve: Poke holes in the cornbread and pour the honey butter mixture over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.